2019 Nursing Salary Trends - New Year, New Earnings

A new year may mean new and higher earnings for nurses. According to Nurse.com, nursing salaries have increased 2.6 percent every year since 2014, and there’s little reason that trend won’t continue into to 2019.

The average overall salary for registered nurses in 2018 was $73,663, up from $70,000 (as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics) in 2017. Of courses, salaries varied geographically, with the lowest earners in the Southeast at $64,050 per year and the highest earners on the west coast at $97,708 per year.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 700,000 nurses are expected to retire between 2014 and 2024, and the nursing employment rate is expected to grow by 16 percent during the same period, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. What’s driving the increase? Some point to aging baby boomers and the increased access to healthcare due to federal insurance reform.

With this in mind, many in the nursing industry anticipate continued increases in 2019. Should salaries follow the 2.6 percent trend, then we can expect an increase in average salary to $75,000 in 2019—or a range of $65,000 to just over $100,000 depending on region.

Leveraging Increasing Salaries When Finding a New Job

If you’re searching for a new job in 2019, this data should give you an idea of what you can expect to earn as a nurse. Armed with these statistics, you may be tempted to ask about salary early on in the process, but it’s better to hold those questions until you’ve made it to the interview stage or when you’re offered the role. At that point, you’ll be better positioned to negotiate.

Instead, focus on getting your application in order so you make it to that point in the process. Don’t just refresh your resume, tailor it to the specific jobs you’re applying for.

When you do make it to the interview, make sure you’ve done your research so that you have a general understanding of the facility—what they offer, what they value. This will help you better navigate the interview.

Beyond that, spend some time figuring out why you want a job with a particular company so that you can explain what makes you the best fit. As much as you may be looking for a new job, remember that these companies are looking for qualified nurses. If you fit that bill, then they’ll be just as interested in you as you are in them, so you can negotiate your salary to be in line with national trends.